Method and system for verifying the configuration of an overspeed system for a shaft

ABSTRACT

Disclosed herein are systems and methods method of verifying the configuration of an overspeed system for a shaft. The method comprises determining a first rotational speed of a shaft using an overspeed system. The overspeed system comprises a toothed wheel that rotates in relation to the rotational speed of the shaft. The method further comprises determining a second rotational speed of the shaft using a vibration sensing system for monitoring vibration of the shaft. The method further comprises comparing the first rotational speed of the shaft and the second rotational speed of the shaft to verify a configuration of the overspeed system.

BACKGROUND

Machinery having rotating shafts such as turbines, automobiles, trains,electric motors and the like utilize overspeed systems to prevent and/orwarn of dangerous overspeed conditions of the shaft and vibrationsensing systems to monitor/warn/prevent dangerous vibration conditions.Overspeed systems typically utilize a proximity sensor sensing passageof teeth on a toothed wheel. The number of teeth on the wheel is amanual data entry in the overspeed system, subject to entry error. Thevibration sensing system is located on the same shaft as the overspeedsystem, and typically includes a keyphasor, which senses, for example, aprotrusion on the shaft once per revolution. The invention is using theinformation on shaft speed from the vibration system to check theconfiguration of the overspeed sensing system.

Manual errors can occur during configuration of the overspeed systemand/or a control system, wherein the incorrect number of teeth on thetoothed wheel can be entered into the control system for turbineoverspeed. This can result in incorrect speed sensing, which can lead tothe overspeed of and damage to the rotating machinery.

Therefore, what is desired are systems and methods where configurationerrors can be detected and corrected before initial full speed run ofrotating machinery without adding additional hardware, complexity, orcost to the overall control system.

SUMMARY

Disclosed herein is a method of verifying the configuration of anoverspeed system for a shaft. The method comprises determining a firstrotational speed of a shaft using an overspeed system. The overspeedsystem comprises a toothed wheel that rotates in relation to therotational speed of the shaft. In one aspect, the overspeed system mayfurther comprise a proximity sensor that detects each tooth of thetoothed wheel as each tooth passes by the proximity sensor. The methodfurther comprises determining a second rotational speed of the shaftusing a vibration sensing system for monitoring vibration of the shaft.In one aspect, the vibration sensing system may further comprise akeyphasor on the shaft and a sensor used to determine when the keyphasorpasses by the sensor, said vibration sensing system creating a keyphasorsignal each time the keyphasor passes by the sensor. The method furthercomprises comparing the first rotational speed of the shaft and thesecond rotational speed of the shaft to verify a configuration of theoverspeed system.

In one aspect, verifying the configuration of the overspeed systemcomprises determining whether a previously set tooth count configurationused by the overspeed system to determine the speed of the shaft is setto accurately reflect a count of teeth on the toothed wheel. If thecomparison of the first rotational speed of the shaft and the secondrotational speed of the shaft is not equal, the previously set toothcount configuration used by the overspeed system can be set to the countof teeth on the toothed wheel.

In various aspects, if the comparison of the first rotational speed ofthe shaft and the second rotational speed of the shaft is not equal, awarning is provided through the overspeed system and/or the vibrationsensing system. In another aspect, if the comparison of the firstrotational speed of the shaft and the second rotational speed of theshaft is not equal, a machine utilizing the shaft is prevented fromoperating.

In various aspects, the machine utilizing the shaft may comprise a gasturbine, steam turbine, wind turbine, a liquid-driven turbine, anautomobile, a train, an electric motor or any other machine having arotating shaft.

Also disclosed and described herein is a system of verifying theconfiguration of an overspeed system. The system comprises a machinehaving a shaft; an overspeed system, wherein the overspeed systemdetermines a first rotational speed of the shaft using a toothed wheelthat rotates in relation to a speed of the shaft. In one aspect, theoverspeed system further comprises a proximity sensor that detects eachtooth of the toothed wheel as each tooth passes by the proximity sensor.The system further comprises a vibration sensing system for monitoringvibration of the shaft, wherein the vibration sensing system determinesa second rotational speed of the shaft. In one aspect, the vibrationsensing system further comprises a keyphasor on the shaft and a sensorused to determine when the keyphasor passes by the sensor, saidvibration sensing system creating a keyphasor signal each time thekeyphasor passes by the sensor. Further comprising the system is aprocessor, wherein the processor: receives the first rotational speed ofthe shaft from the overspeed system; receives the second rotationalspeed of the shaft from the vibration sensing system; and compares thefirst rotational speed of the shaft and the second rotational speed ofthe shaft to verify a configuration of the overspeed system for themachine.

In one aspect, verifying the configuration of the overspeed system forthe machine comprises determining whether a previously set tooth countconfiguration used by the overspeed system to determine the speed of theshaft is set to accurately reflect a count of teeth on the toothedwheel. If the comparison of the first rotational speed of the shaft andthe second rotational speed of the shaft is not equal, the previouslyset tooth count configuration used by the overspeed system can be set bythe processor to the count of teeth on the toothed wheel.

In various aspects, if the comparison of the first rotational speed ofthe shaft and the second rotational speed of the shaft is not equal, awarning is provided through the overspeed system and/or through thevibration sensing system and/or by the processor. In one aspect, if thecomparison of the first rotational speed of the shaft and the secondrotational speed of the shaft is not equal, the machine is preventedfrom operating by the processor. It is to be noted that in variousaspects the processor may comprise a part of one or more of theoverspeed system, the vibration sensing system or a control system forthe machine.

Additional advantages will be set forth in part in the description whichfollows or may be learned by practice. The advantages will be realizedand attained by means of the elements and combinations particularlypointed out in the appended claims. It is to be understood that both theforegoing general description and the following detailed description areexemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive, as claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute apart of this specification, illustrate embodiments and together with thedescription, serve to explain the principles of the methods and systems:

FIGS. 1A and 1B are illustrations of exemplary systems for verifying theconfiguration of an overspeed system;

FIG. 2 is a flowchart that illustrates an exemplary method of verifyingthe configuration of an overspeed system for a shaft; and

FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary computer that can be used for verifyingthe configuration of an overspeed system for a shaft.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Before the present methods and systems are disclosed and described, itis to be understood that the methods and systems are not limited tospecific synthetic methods, specific components, or to particularcompositions. It is also to be understood that the terminology usedherein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only andis not intended to be limiting.

As used in the specification and the appended claims, the singular forms“a,” “an” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearlydictates otherwise. Ranges may be expressed herein as from “about” oneparticular value, and/or to “about” another particular value. When sucha range is expressed, another embodiment includes from the oneparticular value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, whenvalues are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent“about,” it will be understood that the particular value forms anotherembodiment. It will be further understood that the endpoints of each ofthe ranges are significant both in relation to the other endpoint, andindependently of the other endpoint.

“Optional” or “optionally” means that the subsequently described eventor circumstance may or may not occur, and that the description includesinstances where said event or circumstance occurs and instances where itdoes not.

Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the word“comprise” and variations of the word, such as “comprising” and“comprises,” means “including but not limited to,” and is not intendedto exclude, for example, other additives, components, integers or steps.“Exemplary” means “an example of” and is not intended to convey anindication of a preferred or ideal embodiment. “Such as” is not used ina restrictive sense, but for explanatory purposes.

Disclosed are components that can be used to perform the disclosedmethods and systems. These and other components are disclosed herein,and it is understood that when combinations, subsets, interactions,groups, etc. of these components are disclosed that while specificreference of each various individual and collective combinations andpermutation of these may not be explicitly disclosed, each isspecifically contemplated and described herein, for all methods andsystems. This applies to all aspects of this application including, butnot limited to, steps in disclosed methods. Thus, if there are a varietyof additional steps that can be performed it is understood that each ofthese additional steps can be performed with any specific embodiment orcombination of embodiments of the disclosed methods.

The present methods and systems may be understood more readily byreference to the following detailed description of preferred embodimentsand the Examples included therein and to the Figures and their previousand following description.

As will be appreciated by one skilled in the art, the methods andsystems may take the form of an entirely hardware embodiment, anentirely software embodiment, or an embodiment combining software andhardware aspects. Furthermore, the methods and systems may take the formof a computer program product on a computer-readable storage mediumhaving computer-readable program instructions (e.g., computer software)embodied in the storage medium. More particularly, the present methodsand systems may take the form of web-implemented computer software. Anysuitable computer-readable storage medium may be utilized including harddisks, CD-ROMs, optical storage devices, or magnetic storage devices.

Embodiments of the methods and systems are described below withreference to block diagrams and flowchart illustrations of methods,systems, apparatuses and computer program products. It will beunderstood that each block of the block diagrams and flowchartillustrations, and combinations of blocks in the block diagrams andflowchart illustrations, respectively, can be implemented by computerprogram instructions. These computer program instructions may be loadedonto a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, or otherprogrammable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such thatthe instructions which execute on the computer or other programmabledata processing apparatus create a means for implementing the functionsspecified in the flowchart block or blocks.

These computer program instructions may also be stored in acomputer-readable memory that can direct a computer or otherprogrammable data processing apparatus to function in a particularmanner, such that the instructions stored in the computer-readablememory produce an article of manufacture including computer-readableinstructions for implementing the function specified in the flowchartblock or blocks. The computer program instructions may also be loadedonto a computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to causea series of operational steps to be performed on the computer or otherprogrammable apparatus to produce a computer-implemented process suchthat the instructions that execute on the computer or other programmableapparatus provide steps for implementing the functions specified in theflowchart block or blocks.

Accordingly, blocks of the block diagrams and flowchart illustrationssupport combinations of means for performing the specified functions,combinations of steps for performing the specified functions and programinstruction means for performing the specified functions. It will alsobe understood that each block of the block diagrams and flowchartillustrations, and combinations of blocks in the block diagrams andflowchart illustrations, can be implemented by special purposehardware-based computer systems that perform the specified functions orsteps, or combinations of special purpose hardware and computerinstructions.

FIGS. 1A and 1B are illustrations of exemplary systems for verifying theconfiguration of an overspeed system. As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, inone aspect the system can comprise a machine 102, wherein the machine102 further comprises a shaft 104 that can rotate. For example, themachine 102 can be a turbine such as a gas, steam, wind or liquid-driventurbine. It also can be any other rotating machine such as a vehicle(e.g., train, automobile, etc.) having an axle or drive shaft or anelectric motor having a rotating shaft. Further comprising theillustrated system is an overspeed system 106. Generally, the overspeed106 system is an electronic overspeed detection system that is typicallyused on rotating machinery. Overspeed systems 106 comprise tachometermodules that are used to monitor the speeds of the rotating shaft ofrotating machinery and provide warnings and/or trip signals if the shaftis rotating outside of a desired speed or at a speed that could damagethe machine or create a safety hazard. Such overspeed systems areavailable from, for example, Bently Nevada Inc., a wholly ownedsubsidiary of General Electric Company (Minden, Nev.), such as theBently Nevada 3500/53 Electronic Overspeed Detection System. As shown inFIGS. 1A and 1B, the overspeed system 106 determines a first rotationalspeed of the shaft 104 using a toothed wheel 108 that rotates inrelation to a speed of the shaft 104. While the toothed wheel 108illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B is mounted directly to the shaft andtherefore rotates in a 1:1 relationship with the shaft 104, it is to beappreciated that in other instances the toothed wheel 108 may be a partof a geared system such that the toothed wheel rotates faster or slowerthan the shaft 104, but the rotation of the toothed wheel 108 is alwaysin relation to and corresponds with the rotation of the shaft 104. Inone aspect, the overspeed system 106 further comprises a proximitysensor 112 that detects each tooth of the toothed wheel 108 as eachtooth passes by the proximity sensor 112. The proximity sensor 112provides an electronic signal to the overspeed system for each tooth ofthe toothed wheel 108 that passes near the proximity sensor. The signalfrom the proximity sensor 112 is received at an interface of theoverspeed system 106 and is processed by a processor associated with theoverspeed system 106. As used herein, processor refers to a physicalhardware device that executes encoded instructions for performingfunctions on inputs and creating outputs. Exemplary processors for usein this disclosure are described herein in relation to FIG. 3.

Further comprising the systems of FIGS. 1A and 1B is a vibration sensingsystem 110 for monitoring vibration of the shaft 104. Generally, avibration sensing system is used to monitor vibration of the shaft 104during operation of the machine. If vibrations exceed predefined limits,the vibration sensing system 110 can issue warnings and/or trip signalsto shut down operation of the machine. Vibration sensing systems alsogenerally monitor the rotational speed of the shaft 104. This is becausevibrations at some speeds (e.g., lower speeds) may be acceptable whilethe same or similar vibrations at higher speeds may not be acceptable.Therefore, as shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the vibration sensing system 110determines a second rotational speed of the shaft 104. Vibration sensingsystems are available from Bently Nevada Inc., among others. As shown inFIGS. 1A and 1B, the vibration sensing system 110 further comprises akeyphasor 114 on the shaft and a sensor 116 used to determine when thekeyphasor 114 passes by the sensor 116. In this way, the vibrationmonitoring system 110 can monitor the speed of the shaft 104. Thevibration sensing system 110 receives a keyphasor signal each time thekeyphasor 114 passes by the sensor 116.

Further comprising the systems of FIGS. 1A and 1B is a processor. In oneaspect, the processor is a portion of the vibration sensing system 110,the overspeed system 106, or, as shown in FIG. 1B, the processor can bea part of a control system 118 for the machine 102. In one aspect, theprocessor may comprise a plurality of processors that are incommunication with one another. For example, the processor of theoverspeed system 106 may be in communication with the processor of thevibration sensing system 110. As noted herein, processor refers to aphysical hardware device that executes encoded instructions forperforming functions on inputs and creating outputs. Exemplaryprocessors for use in this disclosure are described herein in relationto FIG. 3. Regardless of the location of the processor, it receives thefirst rotational speed of the shaft from the overspeed system 106;receives the second rotational speed of the shaft from the vibrationsensing system 110; and compares the first rotational speed of the shaft104 and the second rotational speed of the shaft 104 to verify aconfiguration of the overspeed system 106 for the machine 102. In oneaspect, verifying the configuration of the overspeed system 106 for themachine 102 comprises determining whether a previously set tooth countconfiguration used by the overspeed system 106 to determine the speed ofthe shaft 104 is set to accurately reflect a count of teeth on thetoothed wheel 108. In one aspect, if the first rotational speed of theshaft 104 and the second rotational speed of the shaft 104 are notequal, the previously set tooth count configuration used by theoverspeed system 106 is set by the processor to the count of teeth onthe toothed wheel 108. Also, in some aspects, if the comparison of thefirst rotational speed of the shaft 104 and the second rotational speedof the shaft 104 is not equal, a warning is provided through theoverspeed system 106 and/or if the comparison of the first rotationalspeed of the shaft 104 and the second rotational speed of the shaft 104is not equal, a warning is provided through the vibration sensing system110. In yet another aspect, if the comparison of the first rotationalspeed of the shaft 104 and the second rotational speed of the shaft 104is not equal, a warning is provided by the processor. In some aspects,if the comparison of the first rotational speed of the shaft 104 and thesecond rotational speed of the shaft 104 is not equal, the machine 102is prevented from operating by the processor.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart that illustrates an exemplary method of verifyingthe configuration of an overspeed system for a shaft. In FIG. 2, themethod comprises 202, determining a first rotational speed of a shaftusing an overspeed system. In one aspect, the overspeed system compriseda toothed wheel that rotates in relation to the rotational speed of theshaft. In one aspect, the overspeed system that determines the firstrotational speed of the shaft using the toothed wheel that rotates inrelation to the rotational speed of the shaft comprises a proximitysensor that detects each tooth of the toothed wheel as each tooth passesby the proximity sensor. At 204, a second rotational speed of the shaftis determined using a vibration sensing system for monitoring vibrationof the shaft. In one aspect, the vibration sensing system thatdetermines the second rotational speed of the shaft comprises akeyphasor on the shaft and a sensor used to determine when the keyphasorpasses by the sensor, said vibration sensing system creating a keyphasorsignal each time the keyphasor passes by the sensor. At 206, the firstrotational speed of the shaft and the second rotational speed of theshaft are compared to verify a configuration of the overspeed system. Inone aspect, verifying the configuration of the overspeed systemcomprises determining whether a previously set tooth count configurationused by the overspeed system to determine the speed of the shaft is setto accurately reflect a count of teeth on the toothed wheel. In oneaspect, if the comparison of the first rotational speed of the shaft andthe second rotational speed of the shaft is not equal, the previouslyset tooth count configuration used by the overspeed system is set to thecount of teeth on the toothed wheel. In other various aspects, if thecomparison of the first rotational speed of the shaft and the secondrotational speed of the shaft is not equal, a warning is providedthrough the overspeed system and/or through the vibration sensingsystem. In one aspect, if the comparison of the first rotational speedof the shaft and the second rotational speed of the shaft is not equal,a machine utilizing the shaft is prevented from operating. The machinemay be, for example, a gas turbine, steam turbine, wind turbine, aliquid-driven turbine, an automobile, a train, an electric motor, andthe like.

The system has been described above as comprised of units. One skilledin the art will appreciate that this is a functional description andthat the respective functions can be performed by software, hardware, ora combination of software and hardware. A unit can be software,hardware, or a combination of software and hardware. The units cancomprise software for verifying the configuration of an overspeed systemfor a shaft. In one exemplary aspect, the units can comprise a computingdevice that comprises a processor 321 as illustrated in FIG. 3 anddescribed below.

FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary computer that can be used for verifyingthe configuration of an overspeed system for a shaft. In variousaspects, the computer of FIG. 3 may comprise all or a portion of theoverspeed system 106, the vibration sensing system 110, and/or thecontrol system 118, as described herein. As used herein, “computer” mayinclude a plurality of computers. The computers may include one or morehardware components such as, for example, a processor 321, a randomaccess memory (RAM) module 322, a read-only memory (ROM) module 323, astorage 324, a database 325, one or more input/output (I/O) devices 326,and an interface 327. Alternatively and/or additionally, controller 320may include one or more software components such as, for example, acomputer-readable medium including computer executable instructions forperforming a method associated with the exemplary embodiments. It iscontemplated that one or more of the hardware components listed abovemay be implemented using software. For example, storage 324 may includea software partition associated with one or more other hardwarecomponents. It is understood that the components listed above areexemplary only and not intended to be limiting.

Processor 321 may include one or more processors, each configured toexecute instructions and process data to perform one or more functionsassociated with a computer for indexing images. Processor 321 may becommunicatively coupled to RAM 322, ROM 323, storage 324, database 325,I/O devices 326, and interface 327. Processor 321 may be configured toexecute sequences of computer program instructions to perform variousprocesses. The computer program instructions may be loaded into RAM 322for execution by processor 321.

RAM 322 and ROM 323 may each include one or more devices for storinginformation associated with operation of processor 321. For example, ROM323 may include a memory device configured to access and storeinformation associated with controller 320, including information foridentifying, initializing, and monitoring the operation of one or morecomponents and subsystems. RAM 322 may include a memory device forstoring data associated with one or more operations of processor 321.For example, ROM 323 may load instructions into RAM 322 for execution byprocessor 321.

Storage 324 may include any type of mass storage device configured tostore information that processor 321 may need to perform processesconsistent with the disclosed embodiments. For example, storage 324 mayinclude one or more magnetic and/or optical disk devices, such as harddrives, CD-ROMs, DVD-ROMs, or any other type of mass media device.

Database 325 may include one or more software and/or hardware componentsthat cooperate to store, organize, sort, filter, and/or arrange dataused by controller 320 and/or processor 321. For example, database 325may store the first rotational speed of a shaft as determined using anoverspeed system, the second rotational speed of the shaft as determinedusing a vibration sensing system for monitoring vibration of the shaft,and the results of a comparison of the first rotational speed of theshaft and the second rotational speed of the shaft to verify aconfiguration of the overspeed system. It is contemplated that database325 may store additional and/or different information than that listedabove.

I/O devices 326 may include one or more components configured tocommunicate information with a user associated with controller 320. Forexample, I/O devices may include a console with an integrated keyboardand mouse to allow a user to maintain a database of images, updateassociations, and access digital content. I/O devices 326 may alsoinclude a display including a graphical user interface (GUI) foroutputting information on a monitor. I/O devices 326 may also includeperipheral devices such as, for example, a printer for printinginformation associated with controller 320, a user-accessible disk drive(e.g., a USB port, a floppy, CD-ROM, or DVD-ROM drive, etc.) to allow auser to input data stored on a portable media device, a microphone, aspeaker system, or any other suitable type of interface device.

Interface 327 may include one or more components configured to transmitand receive data via a communication network, such as the Internet, alocal area network, a workstation peer-to-peer network, a direct linknetwork, a wireless network, or any other suitable communicationplatform. For example, interface 327 may include one or more modulators,demodulators, multiplexers, demultiplexers, network communicationdevices, wireless devices, antennas, modems, and any other type ofdevice configured to enable data communication via a communicationnetwork.

While the methods and systems have been described in connection withpreferred embodiments and specific examples, it is not intended that thescope be limited to the particular embodiments set forth, as theembodiments herein are intended in all respects to be illustrativerather than restrictive.

Unless otherwise expressly stated, it is in no way intended that anymethod set forth herein be construed as requiring that its steps beperformed in a specific order. Accordingly, where a method claim doesnot actually recite an order to be followed by its steps or it is nototherwise specifically stated in the claims or descriptions that thesteps are to be limited to a specific order, it is no way intended thatan order be inferred, in any respect. This holds for any possiblenon-express basis for interpretation, including: matters of logic withrespect to arrangement of steps or operational flow; plain meaningderived from grammatical organization or punctuation; the number or typeof embodiments described in the specification.

Throughout this application, various publications are referenced. Thedisclosures of these publications in their entireties are herebyincorporated by reference into this application in order to more fullydescribe the state of the art to which the methods and systems pertain.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that variousmodifications and variations can be made without departing from thescope or spirit. Other embodiments will be apparent to those skilled inthe art from consideration of the specification and practice disclosedherein. It is intended that the specification and examples be consideredas exemplary only, with a true scope and spirit being indicated by thefollowing claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of verifying the configuration of anoverspeed system for a shaft comprising: determining a first rotationalspeed of a shaft using an overspeed system, said overspeed systemcomprising a toothed wheel that rotates in relation to the rotationalspeed of the shaft; determining a second rotational speed of the shaftusing a vibration sensing system for monitoring vibration of the shaft;and comparing the first rotational speed of the shaft and the secondrotational speed of the shaft to verify a configuration of the overspeedsystem.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein verifying the configuration ofthe overspeed system comprises determining whether a previously settooth count configuration used by the overspeed system to determine thespeed of the shaft is set to accurately reflect a count of teeth on thetoothed wheel.
 3. The method of claim 2, wherein if the comparison ofthe first rotational speed of the shaft and the second rotational speedof the shaft is not equal, the previously set tooth count configurationused by the overspeed system is set to the count of teeth on the toothedwheel.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein if the comparison of the firstrotational speed of the shaft and the second rotational speed of theshaft is not equal, a warning is provided through the overspeed system.5. The method of claim 1, wherein if the comparison of the firstrotational speed of the turbine and the second rotational speed of theshaft is not equal, a warning is provided through the vibration sensingsystem.
 6. The method of claim 1, wherein if the comparison of the firstrotational speed of the shaft and the second rotational speed of theshaft is not equal, a machine utilizing the shaft is prevented fromoperating.
 7. The method of claim 6, wherein the machine utilizing theshaft comprises one of a gas turbine, steam turbine, wind turbine or aliquid turbine.
 8. The method of claim 1, wherein said overspeed systemthat determines the first rotational speed of the shaft using thetoothed wheel that rotates in relation to the rotational speed of theshaft comprises a proximity sensor that detects each tooth of thetoothed wheel as each tooth passes by the proximity sensor.
 9. Themethod of claim 1, wherein the vibration sensing system that determinesthe second rotational speed of the shaft comprises a keyphasor on theshaft and a sensor used to determine when the keyphasor passes by thesensor, said vibration sensing system creating a keyphasor signal eachtime the keyphasor passes by the sensor.
 10. A system of verifying theconfiguration of an overspeed system comprising: a machine having ashaft; an overspeed system, wherein said overspeed system determines afirst rotational speed of the shaft using a toothed wheel that rotatesin relation to a speed of the shaft; a vibration sensing system formonitoring vibration of the shaft, wherein the vibration sensing systemdetermines a second rotational speed of the shaft; and a processor,wherein the processor: receives the first rotational speed of the shaftfrom the overspeed system; receives the second rotational speed of theshaft from the vibration sensing system; and compares the firstrotational speed of the shaft and the second rotational speed of theshaft to verify a configuration of the overspeed system for the machine.11. The system of claim 10, wherein verifying the configuration of theoverspeed system for the machine comprises determining whether apreviously set tooth count configuration used by the overspeed system todetermine the speed of the shaft is set to accurately reflect a count ofteeth on the toothed wheel.
 12. The system of claim 11, wherein if thecomparison of the first rotational speed of the shaft and the secondrotational speed of the shaft is not equal, the previously set toothcount configuration used by the overspeed system is set by the processorto the count of teeth on the toothed wheel.
 13. The system of claim 10,wherein if the comparison of the first rotational speed of the shaft andthe second rotational speed of the shaft is not equal, a warning isprovided through the overspeed system.
 14. The system of claim 10,wherein if the comparison of the first rotational speed of the shaft andthe second rotational speed of the shaft is not equal, a warning isprovided through the vibration sensing system.
 15. The system of claim10, wherein if the comparison of the first rotational speed of the shaftand the second rotational speed of the shaft is not equal, a warning isprovided by the processor.
 16. The system of claim 10, wherein if thecomparison of the first rotational speed of the shaft and the secondrotational speed of the shaft is not equal, the machine is preventedfrom operating by the processor.
 17. The system of claim 10, wherein themachine comprises one of a gas turbine, steam turbine, wind turbine or aliquid turbine.
 18. The system of claim 10, wherein said overspeedsystem that determines the first rotational speed of the shaft using thetoothed wheel that rotates in relation to the rotational speed of theshaft comprises a proximity sensor that detects each tooth of thetoothed wheel as each tooth passes by the proximity sensor.
 19. Thesystem of claim 10, wherein the vibration sensing system that determinesthe second rotational speed of the shaft comprises a keyphasor on theshaft and a sensor used to determine when the keyphasor passes by thesensor, said vibration sensing system creating a keyphasor signal eachtime the keyphasor passes by the sensor.
 20. The system of claim 10,wherein the processor comprises a part of one or more of the overspeedsystem, the vibration sensing system or a control system for themachine.